Companion Interface Streaming for Zero-Install Gaming Interaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face challenges in allowing friends to participate in their video game play without requiring them to install applications on their devices, as the registration process is lengthy and complex, limiting social interaction during gaming sessions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that enables a mobile device to connect to a gaming console's Wi-Fi network, allowing a rich user interface to be streamed to the mobile device without installation, enabling users to interact with the gaming console and participate in game play with virtually zero latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a friend wants to participate in the user's video game play, then the friend can interact with the game play, but the friend must install an application on their device which requires lengthy registration process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticipation capabilityVSAvoidregistration process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a companion interface as an intermediary that runs on the user's device and streams to the friend's device. This mediator enables participation without requiring the friend to install a full application, as the companion interface handles the complex registration and authentication processes while providing a simplified viewing and interaction experience to the friend.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The companion interface is designed to be multi-functional, serving as both a control interface for the user's gaming device and a streaming interface for friends. It can display game play, receive inputs from multiple users, and manage device connections, thereby eliminating the need for separate applications for each function and reducing the barrier to entry for friends.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the user allows friends to access their device to view game play information, then friends can participate, but the user loses control over device access and privacy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesocial interactionVSAvoidaccess control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the functionality by separating the companion interface (which friends access) from the core gaming application and device control. The companion interface is a distinct component that provides controlled access to game play information and limited interaction capabilities, while the user retains full control over the primary device and application. This segmentation allows social interaction without compromising device security or privacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the user registers multiple devices for game play access, then more users can participate, but the registration process becomes lengthy and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-user supportVSAvoidregistration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing the companion interface on the user's device beforehand. This interface is pre-configured with the necessary authentication and connection parameters. When a friend wants to participate, they simply connect to the existing companion interface rather than going through a full registration process, significantly reducing the time required to add new participants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If friends spectate the game play on the main display, then they can watch, but they cannot interact with the game play

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectating capabilityVSAvoidinteraction capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system adds another dimension to the gaming experience by introducing a secondary interface layer (the companion interface) that runs parallel to the main game display. This companion interface provides a different mode of interaction where friends can view game play and send inputs that are transmitted to the gaming device. It transforms the experience from passive spectating to active participation through a separate interaction channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20240042324A1Instant streaming of a view into a gaming environment of a game play to a device of a secondary user without application install

Publication Date: 2024.02.08 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC

AI summary

A method for communication. The method including displaying game play of a first user playing a gaming application on a display. The method including broadcasting an SSID from a first device over a wireless local area network. The method including pairing the first device and a second device associated with a second user over the wireless local area network. The method including streaming a user interface including information related to the first game play from the first device to the second device. The user interface is streamed concurrent with the game play of the first user, and is configured to complement game play of the first user.